Bridgwater Crime Rate

Bridgwater is a major urban centre in Somerset with an overall crime rate of 161.9 per 1,000 residents. This figure is significantly higher than the UK average of 93.1, reflecting the town's role as a primary commercial and social hub. The town's safety score currently stands at 61/100, which is below the UK average of 78. Recent data indicates that the crime trend is stable, with a modest 3.8% increase year-over-year. While these statistics suggest a higher volume of reported incidents than in the surrounding rural areas, it is important to note that crime in Bridgwater is largely concentrated in specific high-traffic areas. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of these figures to help residents and visitors understand the local safety landscape.

Crime Breakdown in Bridgwater

Bridgwater's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 42.0% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 15.5%, followed by shoplifting at 10.8%. These figures reflect the town's status as a significant commercial and social hub within Somerset, where higher footfall naturally leads to increased reports of these crime types.

For homeowners and residents, property-related crime is a key concern, with an overall rate of 45.4 per 1,000 people. This is notably higher than the UK average of 32.9. The breakdown includes criminal damage and arson (6.8%), other theft (5.3%), and burglary (1.8%). While the burglary rate itself is relatively low at 2.8 per 1,000 residents, the higher volume of theft and criminal damage suggests that property security is essential. Protecting your home and belongings in Bridgwater requires a proactive approach to deter opportunistic theft and vandalism, which are more prevalent here than in the surrounding rural areas.

Crime Trends in Bridgwater

The crime rate in Bridgwater is currently stable, with a modest 3.8% increase in total reported incidents year-over-year. Monthly data shows a consistent level of activity, with the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuating between a low of 11.0 in February 2025 and a high of 14.7 in both May and October 2025.

The latter half of the year has seen slightly higher sustained rates, with September and October recording 14.2 and 14.7 respectively. This suggests a steady level of urban activity throughout the autumn months. For residents, this stability means that while the town has a higher crime rate than the national average, the environment is predictable. There are no signs of a rapid escalation in crime, and ongoing community safety initiatives appear to be maintaining a steady, albeit elevated, baseline of activity. Staying informed about these monthly patterns can help residents plan their safety measures more effectively.

How To Keep Safe in Bridgwater

With violence and sexual offences being the most reported crime type in Bridgwater, personal safety in public and social settings is the most important consideration for residents.

1. Plan Your Route: When walking through the town centre, especially at night, stick to well-lit main streets and avoid isolated shortcuts. Always let someone know your expected arrival time.
2. Be Vigilant in Crowds: In busy shopping areas where shoplifting and anti-social behaviour are higher, keep your personal belongings secure and be aware of those around you.
3. Use Licensed Transport: After a night out, always use a pre-booked taxi or a reputable ride-sharing service. Avoid walking long distances alone late at night.
4. Secure Your Vehicle: Given the night-time spike in vehicle crime, ensure your car is parked in a garage or a well-lit, busy area, and never leave valuables on display.
5. Engage with Community Safety: Participating in local neighbourhood watch or business crime reduction partnerships can provide valuable real-time information about local safety concerns.

Crime in Bridgwater follows a pattern closely linked to the town's daily commercial and social cycles. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related offences are dominant, accounting for 47% and 49% of incidents respectively. This aligns with peak retail hours and high street activity. As evening falls (6pm - 12am), the focus shifts significantly towards "other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order, which surge to 66% of reports. At night (12am - 6am), while overall numbers may drop, the risk to property increases; burglary accounts for 16% of crimes and vehicle crime reaches its peak at 18%. These patterns suggest that while opportunistic theft is a daytime risk, more targeted property and vehicle crimes are night-time concerns.

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Bridgwater is the busiest and highest-crime area in the local region. Nearby Wembdon (25.0) and North Petherton (71.7) offer much quieter residential alternatives with significantly lower crime rates. Even more striking are areas like Compass and Chedzoy, which recorded no crimes at all during this period. This comparison highlights Bridgwater's position as the regional hub; while it provides essential services, employment, and retail, it also attracts the higher crime levels typical of a larger urban settlement. For those seeking a quieter environment, the short distance to these neighbouring villages offers a much lower statistical risk.

Bridgwater’s property crime rate of 45.4 per 1,000 residents is a clear indicator that home security should be a top priority for local residents. While many people install basic cameras or alarms, these traditional systems are reactive—they record the crime as it happens or alert you after the intruder is already inside. For a town with Bridgwater's activity levels, proactive protection is a far more effective choice.

scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that changes the dynamic of home protection. Instead of just recording footage, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries 24/7. It can identify a potential threat before a break-in occurs, using autonomous responses like activating lights or speakers to deter intruders. In Bridgwater, where theft and criminal damage are more common than the UK average, scOS provides a vital layer of prevention. By stopping crime at the perimeter, it ensures your home is no longer an easy target for opportunistic offenders.